LAS CRUCES - Technically, New Mexico State and conference newcomer Texas-San Antonio were each searching for an initial Western Athletic Conference victory on Thursday.

But it was obvious how far the Roadrunners have to travel to reach the top of the league in a decisive 82-62 Aggies victory at the Pan American Center.

NMSU (7-8, 1-2 WAC) shot a school record 68.6 percent with season highs in made field goals (35), blocked shots (11), assists (21) and points scored against the 0-3 Roadrunners.

"I think it was an important win because we just lost two games on the road," said Aggies senior Bandja Sy, who scored a career-high 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting to go with eight rebounds. "To get momentum, I think that was a big game and we had to get that win."

NMSU used a 20-2 run that encompassed the last 2:37 of the first half and the opening 4:05 of the second half to blow the game open. The run included the first 12 points of the second half to turn a six-point halftime lead into an 18-point cushion.

"They did a really good job of taking what they gave us," Aggies coach Marvin Menzies said. "(UTSA) was a pretty good team and for us to execute at this level is how we need to play going forward. It's just one win and nothing we can hang our hat on other than it's a step in the right direction."

The Aggies made their first eight shots of the second half, including back-to-back dunks from guard Daniel Mullings, who finished with 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting with six rebounds and four assists.

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Mullings took one of his four steals to the rim for a one-handed flush and then slammed home a Tyrone Watson lob in transition to put NMSU up 50-35 with 16:24 left.

"Once we get back and we are good on defense starting with steals, blocks and rebounding, it starts with our point guards pushing the ball and running our lanes," Mullings said. "It's going to be very hard for teams to stop us."

The Aggies outscored UTSA 8-2 in the last 2:37 of the first half for a 38-32 lead at the break. NMSU shot 62 percent in the first half and 77.3 percent in the second half, outscoring UTSA 48-18 in the paint and out rebounded the Roadrunners 36-18.

Mullings said the offensive outburst was a product of returning to the basics, which for the Aggies starts on the glass.

"I think we got away from it a little," Mullings said. "That's an area we are good in. We have been lackadaisical in it lately. We were just relying on our athleticism. We just realized we have to go back to hitting guys and getting the rebound."

Sim Bhullar had 15 points and three blocks while Sy added three blocks and Renaldo Dixon had four blocks.

"We talk about being the second one to leave the ground and angles for blocking shots," Menzies said. "Bandja was active with his length tonight."

Remi Barry knocked down a jumper to put NMSU up 16-9 during a 9-0 run but the Roadrunners hung around. UTSA tied the game at 28-28 on a Michael Hale triple with 4:24 left in the first half. After shooting 33 percent for the first 12 minutes of the half, UTSA made seven of their last 11 shots to finish the half shooting 46 percent.

The Aggies play host to 0-3 Texas State on Saturday.

"We need to get the momentum back," Sy said. "Saturday will be a big game again. We know they are going to be hungry."

Jason Groves can be reached at (575) 541-5459. Follow him on Twitter @jpgroves.